What should you do after a car accident?
At AASP, we know how stressful and upsetting being involved in a car accident can be, even when it's just a minor incident.
That's why we have put together a simple, step-by-step guide to help you understand what you should do after an accident so you can stay safe, stay calm and get the assistance you need.
What should you do immediately after an accident?
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Stop as soon as you can and switch your engine off. If your vehicle is in a dangerous location and drivable - move it somewhere safe. It's an offence to leave the scene after an accident, so it is important you find somewhere safe to stop and don't drive off.
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Switch your hazard lights on to warn other drivers that you have stopped and that your car may be in an unsafe location and an obstruction.
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Check to make sure no one inside the car is injured. If anyone needs urgent medical attention, call 999 immediately. Make sure you are aware of what's going on around you and don't leave your car unless it's safe to do so.
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Try to stay as calm as possible and avoid making any rushed decisions. It's important to keep everyone as safe and out of harms way.
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If it is safe to so, carefully get out of your car and look around. If anyone is hurt or if there are other cars blocking the road or in an unsafe location, call 999 immediately.
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Stay calm and aware of what is going on around you. It's normal to be shaken after an accident, but its important to keep calm and not lose your temper.
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Speak with other drivers involved and exchange details. Avoid apologising or admitting responsibility for the accident or blaming anyone else - it's up to the emergency services and insurance providers to decide who's at fault. Getting into an argument on the roadside isn't going to help the situation.
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Calmly and politely speak to any passengers or witnesses and ask for their details.
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Collect as much information as you can and take photos of the scene, any injuries and damage to your car as best as you can. Make a note of where and when the accident happened, the road and weather conditions at the time of the accident and if there any other vehicles involved.
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Call your insurance provider as soon as you can, either at the scene if it is safe to do so or as soon as you can after the accident. Even if the accident was minor, failing to notify your insurance provider of an accident or collision may invalidate your insurance policy.
When should you call the police?
You should always call the police on 999 police...
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If you or any other driver is stuck in an unsafe location or blocking the road.
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If anyone is hurt or injured (and ask for an ambulance too).
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If any of the other drivers involved in the accident drive off and leave the scene.
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If you suspect any of the other drivers don't have insurance or a driving license.
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If you think any of the other drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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If you think any of the other drivers have caused the accident deliberately.
What information should I share and what should I ask other drivers for?
If there is any damage or if someone is injured in a road traffic accident or minor collision, everyone involved must share their personal information with all other parties.
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By law, you must share your name, address and vehicle registration number.
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If the vehicle is not yours, you must also provide the name and address of the vehicle's registered keeper.
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You should swap insurance information and ensure you have the name and address of all other drivers involved.
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If you can, you should record the make, model, colour and registration of each vehicle involved in the accident.
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You should also record the details of any passengers or witnesses.
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If any vehicle involved is a company vehicle, commercial vehicle or HGV, you should record the name and address of the company displayed on the vehicle too.
You are not legally required to provide your insurance provider information or your driving license to other drivers involved in an accident. However, if for any reason you have been unable to exchange details, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours. Failure to do so could result in a fine, penalty points or even disqualification and a criminal conviction.
For further advice and information, please visit the Association of British Insurers.
When should I contact my insurance provider?
While it won't be the first thing on you mind after an accident, it's important you contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to let them know about the accident (even if you don't want to make a claim).
You must tell your insurance provider about the incident within a reasonable period of time. You must check your insurance policy to be sure what your provider defines as a 'reasonable period of time', as every provider can be different. It's not sensible to delay contacting your insurance provider, as if you leave it too late - you might not be able to claim at all.
You should tell your insurance provider about the accident, even if you aren't intending to make a claim as other drivers involves may try to claim without you knowing. If you are going to make a claim, your provider will guide you through the process and explain the next steps.
How can AASP help if you've been in an accident?
If your vehicle is damaged and undriveable,, don’t worry - our Roadside Heroes are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Wherever you are, we won't leave you stranded on the roadside. We’ll do everything we can to get you and your vehicle safely recovered and out of harm’s way.
Discover more.
We offer a range of professional automotive services at fair and affordable prices, from national vehicle collections to emergency roadside assistance and expert vehicle maintenance.